Santa Barbara Auto Group explores the latest autonomous driving technology from Mercedes-Benz that is making sci-fi fantasies closer to reality than ever before.

It seems that every new sci-fi movie to hit the big screen in recent years features some kind of futuristic vehicle. These vehicles may vary in many ways – some fly, others hover, most provide intuitive touch screen devices for downloading documents, accessing networks or other information, and a few vehicles even offer the ability to move seamlessly between air, land, and water. However, one thing that most have in common is some kind of auto-pilot or autonomous driving capability. The exciting news is that cars that drive themselves have recently transitioned from fantasy to reality. Mercedes-Benz has been championing autonomous driving functions in recent years and has now released many new innovative driving systems that leave drivers feeling like they have stepped into the future.

Autonomous Braking and Parking

For the last few years, Mercedes-Benz vehicles have been able to detect road hazards or dangerous situations thanks to improved camera and sensor technology woven into vehicle design. Blind-spot Assist, Attention Assist, and other driving systems work to prevent an emergency situation before it ever occurs. Now, thanks to technology such as DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot semiautonomous traffic jam vehicle following function select Mercedes-Benz models are already capable of driving and braking autonomously on the road. Furthermore, Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC enables drivers to sit back and relax while their vehicle parks itself in both parallel and end-on spaces.

Autonomous Driving

What is really exciting is that fully autonomous driving capabilities are already being tested by Mercedes-Benz. The Mercedes-Benz S 500 INTELLIGENT DRIVE was recently tested in a 100-kilometer trip across Europe from Mannheim to Pforzheim. The journey was successful and the technology is on its way to becoming accessible in new Mercedes-Benz models. The brand is working on making the systems function even in complex urban traffic situations as well as rural highways. Like everything else Mercedes-Benz releases, drivers can expect the technology to be rigorously tested and reviewed before being released so they can be sure the technology works flawlessly and intuitively.

For example, testing is processed in both European and USA regions to account for differences in transportation infrastructures and driving behaviors which may vary by region or location. In fact, in September of last year, Mercedes-Benz was awarded on of the first licenses by the State of California to test self-driving vehicles on public roads.

So next time you leave the theater fantasizing about the future of transportation, consider how close we already are to many capabilities that seemed so radical only years ago! To learn more about the latest technology from Mercedes-Benz, visit Santa Barbara Auto Group.

About Mercedes-Benz of Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Auto group is proud to be an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer located just off the 101 and S. Hope Ave. The Mercedes-Benz team at Santa Barbara Auto Group is strongly committed to delivering an exceptional buying experience. The sale staff offers many years of experience satisfying customers’ needs. The Santa Barbara Auto Group offers a wide array of new and pre-owned Mercedes-Benz vehicles which customers may view online or on-site at the dealership.

The Santa Barbara Auto Group is dedicated to providing the best sales and service experience in Southern California. To learn more about any of the popular Mercedes-Benz models including the all-new CLA-class or the C-Class or E-Class, feel free to call, email, or stop by for friendly personal service.

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